COUPLE WITH NO AGRICULTURE BACKGROUND DEVELOPED A FARM FOR RETIREMENT
Agriculture|January - February 2021
MANY PEOPLE INVEST in agriculture as part of their retirement plans. The same went for Jessie and Lea Dealas, both 60, who ventured into farming to secure their life after retirement.
VINA MEDENILLA
COUPLE WITH NO AGRICULTURE BACKGROUND DEVELOPED A FARM FOR RETIREMENT

Both husband and wife grew up with parents whose means of support was agriculture. Being used to this lifestyle, they bought a farm despite lacking farm experience. At first, they had limited knowledge of farming and all they had was their ambition to learn and establish the farm before leaving their jobs for good. Several years later, they successfully developed an integrated farm with crop and animal production.

FAMILY HERITAGE

12 years ago, some of Lea’s relatives offered them the lot where Dealas’ farm stands today due to the default of real estate taxes. They offered the land to the Dealas in hopes of keeping the property within their family. Lea noted, “At first, we were hesitant to buy the lot because of the workload it will entail, provided that it was undeveloped and had no electricity then.” And according to her, it is an inheritance from their ancestors so it would be a waste if they gave it up. With this, although the land needs a lot of work, the couple bought the land.

Since 2008, the Dealas has been working on the farm and are continuously learning through their farming experiences. By attending seminars, asking experienced farmers, learning through the internet, and seeking help from government agencies, the farm has evolved from an idle land to a productive, integrated farm.

PARTNERS IN FARMING

This story is from the January - February 2021 edition of Agriculture.

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This story is from the January - February 2021 edition of Agriculture.

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